Never give up !

Daily writing prompt

What brings a tear of joy to your eye?

I would like to share with you a very good example about the struggles I faced during my career.

After completing my engineering diploma of 4 years, I had got an opportunity to work for reputed company in Mumbai. The diploma course consist of a sandwich pattern where each year was divided into semesters. Eight semesters in total in which the two semesters (5 and 8) were internships. During both internship period it was easy for me as that company was 11 min distance from where I was staying. Also if you have completed the internship in same organization, there is a very high chances of getting selected.

Once I completed the diploma with an aggregate of 82% I had a dream of working in the same organization. But sadly I was not shortlisted due to my diploma which was designated as Fabrication technology and erection engineering. They told me that they only recruit candidates with Mechanical engineering diploma. I tried explaining them that the course was similar throughout all the semesters and only the 7th semester is different in which they learn deeply into refrigeration and me into welding. That was a turning point in my life. Imagine not getting selected in the organisation which is just 10 mins away from your home. Imagine you are selecting a college just because there is an campus placement and you end up losing an opportunity. I felt disappointed and one point of time i felt regret for selecting the department which is way different than the others.

Few months later I started working as a fitter for 4 months and then as a sales engineer for a year. I was not happy because I felt like I was going down instead of growing in my career. After struggling to search for a job. I got an opportunity to work in Kuwait as a CNC machine operator. That’s where I decided to start a career in safety. I attended classes during week off and finally after 1 years I completed Nebosh International certificate in Occupational Health and safety. That’s where I started getting new opportunities. To gain a basic experience, I started working as a fire watcher in Qatar for a shutdown project. And currently I am finally working as a safety officer in reputed company in Dubai.

Sometime I do remember the past where I felt lost and without hope after losing opportunities in life. But, those failures gave me strength to keep trying and developing myself to prepare for future. I spent hours applying on job sites and adding certifications to my profile which led to highlighting my CVs to the recruiters. I learnt that consistent efforts and hard work often leads to success. People often talk about being lucky, but if you put efforts then your chances of being lucky increases naturally. Indeed at present whenever I remember the past, it does brings tears into my eyes and its none other than tears of joy.

Meanwhile you can also check my blog on Career .

My one year experience in Dubai !

It was almost a year when I first came to Dubai to explore job opportunities in safety field. But, let’s rewind a year ago when I face one of the toughest challenges in my life during covid 19. It shocked the whole world and no one had imagined that the virus which is transmissible through air would take millions of lives. Also I had lost a much needed opportunity during covid 19.

Few weeks before the nationwide lockdown, I had got an opportunity for a dream job of a safety officer and for that I returned to my country to complete my visa process and medical. But alas! As one week passed, our prime minister gave us a surprise that a nationwide lockdown has been implemented the whole nation came into stand still.

Unlucky me, as flights w cancelled for more than a year and I was just sitting at home hoping that one day I ll get to fly. The country of Kuwait had a strict rule as flights were still not resumed for almost one and a half year. And after staying at home for almost a year, I got a call from the organization that they cannot wait for more and that they are hiring locally. I was sad and felt as if I had lost a good opportunity in this pandemic.

So, later after few months, I got an opportunity to work for a shutdown project in reputed company in Qatar. But that project lasted for 2 months and I was back home. All thanks to my brother! He gave me an opportunity to come in UAE in search of Job opportunities. It was 29/4/2022. With new hope and search for the job I left my country with all new hopes and blessings from my mom. I was not sad because I was waiting for that one moment where I ll get a chance to find a job.

As soon as I reached Dubai, I was mesmerised looking at the beautiful infrastructure and high-rise buildings there people from different parts of the world visited this beautiful city as it is one of the most attractive tourist place in the world. This city has been way ahead then most of the popular cities in the world.

The tourist place that I got a chance to see is ‘The Burj Khalifa’ in just 60 Dirhams as it was an Eid offer. I got to see the beautiful properties of Emaar and Damac from the 120^th floor. Outside the Burj Khalifa, there is a fountain called ‘The Dubai Fountain’ Illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 coloured projectors, It is around 900 ft long and shoots water (500 ft) into the air while accompanied by a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and other music. It is the world’s largest choreographed fountain.

On 26 October 2008, Emaar announced that based on results of a naming contest the fountain would be called the Dubai Fountain. The Dubai mall is one of the biggest malls I have ever seen. Trust me you will get tired walking around the mall exploring the shops. It’s like a one stop hub for everything. You can shop, eat, play, watch movies and can do many other activities.

Also, the ‘IBN Battuta Mall’ is one of the attractions shouldn’t meet when exploring Dubai. The mall is divided into different parts and each part is designed with the country’s theme. For example, if you enter into the China court, you ll see the walls designed with dragon arts and a huge vintage ship built which looks almost real. The one is the India court where there is the statue of ancient elephants along with the whisperer. Other court where you ll get to see are Egypt, Tunisia, Persia court etc.

About the public transport you ll find out that there are driverless metros continuously running to and from one destination to other without any delay. The nol card is like a debit card where you need to recharge and scan on the entrance of the station to enter into the platform. This card can also be used in RTA buses and shops too. If you purchase a gold tier card that you ll get to see the amazing view from the front of the metro.

Other tourist places that I visited was ‘The Global Village’.

Global Village welcomes millions of guests every season, making it the park with the 4th largest daily footfall in the world. With a strong belief that the world’s diversity and creativity is a limitless source of excitement and that human connection should have no boundaries, Global Village brings together extraordinary people to create a More Wonderful World for guests from around the globe. This is like a mini globe where there are many different places built like a different country of the world. The place is huge and spread across miles, you will need to take frequent breaks in order to explore the whole village. There is amusement park where families including children can have fun.

Well there’s many things that I want to share and I am going to share my experience in next few blogs. Over all this is the best city I have visited so far. Also by gods grace I am working as a safety office in one of the reputed company in Dubai. What I learnt is that not matter whatever challenges you go through, always put effort in what you are doing and keep praying.

Cheers !

Also do check my previous blog on Safety culture

Practicing Safety Culture in our daily life.

Hello everyone, I hope you too have experienced the same situation as me. Few months before I was working for a shutdown project for Shell GTL, Qatar. It was a Mega Turnaround project with as many as 10k + employees were involved in this Mega turnaround.The project lasted for 90 days and it was a successful completion. Excited I was as it was my very first experience in Oil and Gas Industry as a Fire Watcher.

Why was this memorable experience for me?

In this temporary project I learned the concept of Safety Culture* so deep that it has become my permanent habit wherever I go. So, Safety culture is the set of shared attitudes, beliefs, and practices demonstrated by workers at all levels of the company. So, it’s like positive safety culture connects everyone in the company around a common goal to measurably reduce near misses and incidents. It goes beyond following safety procedures and rules.

This was not only followed on the site but it was followed even in my camp (Laffan Global Village), during Travelling, Transportation, Dining halls, Tents. I was impressed by the strict measures of maintaining the social distancing inside the bus and wearing Seat Belt which is compulsory and you will find it on every Seat. So, let’s take an example, if a visitor or any person forgets to wear a PPE or shows any unsafe behavior, then the group of individuals who are at the location will intervene or convince the person positively by keeping the three Golden words in mind of ‘Comply, Intervene and Respect’ to ensure he is safe by wearing proper PPE. The group or community following the safety measures will definitely change the behaviour or attitude of the person who is non-compliant with the safety measures. Out of the context example is that one rotten mango can spoil the whole mangoes in the basket but let’s make it Vice Versa, A group of people following the Safety rules will definitely change the perception of an Individual.

What changes this made in my Life and how do I follow it?

Once I was back home in my country, I used to start the day with proper housekeeping, as it was said that it should be followed by all levels of the employees in the organisation. And I also heard by one of the staff that 70% of the hazards are eliminated by Good House Keeping. I have always been attentive while driving, crossing roads, climbing stairs, following signs, keeping people out of Line of Fire. ensuring boxes my Books kept on top shelves are secured, eliminating slip trip and fall hazards etc. Sometimes I do educated others about the Classes of fire and extinguishers and how to prevent them, indeed they show an interest in knowing and this will prove beneficial in case of emergency.

Also, I feel that everyone should be aware of Life Saving Rules* where some of this can be followed everywhere in our day-to-day life. Here are some of the Lifesaving Rule that we must follow generally:

Verify isolation and zero energy before work begins

2. Protect yourself against a fall when working at height

3. Follow the rules for working in toxic gas environments

4. Follow safe driving rules

5. Keep yourself and others out of the line of fire

6. Control flammables and ignition sources

Therefore, I feel that it’s important to all the people in all sectors to learn a basic safety principle which can be followed in throughout their journey and staying away from hazards and creating a safe environment everywhere. I would like to hear your views or opinion on this. For more Life Saving rules do search ‘Life Saving Rules’. Have a great day and be safe.

*Safety culture and Lifesaving rules information has been taken from Google.

The Wave that crippled our System !

Well, it’s exactly a year after that I am posting a blog and it does make me feel excited about sharing my thoughts and opinions in front of you about the current situation that my country is facing. Since you are aware of my last Blog “What Lockdown taught Us?” well I have decided to share my concerns in this blog, for sure this will be the first one where you all be heartbroken and anguish for the situations that the country and the world is facing.

As we experience a situation where we are given a chance to improve or to correct ourselves right when we do something wrong, right? Indeed, everyone has gone through this, whether it is a chance where we didn’t get caught while doing something unethical in organizations, cheating during Exams and even in our personal lives, doing frauds and many more, well of course there are instances where we think that we should be aware that this should not repeat again. Same applies to what our system did when they had got a chance in order to implement measures when the pandemic was in control.

If you have watched the movie Avengers: Endgame then for sure you must remember the below scene:

Here’s an Explanation:

17^th September! The day where the graph finally dipped low after six months and thanks to the decision of complete lockdown, there was finally a drop in the daily active cases in our country, we can call it a major step that our government had implemented to stop the spread of the virus, many frontline workers dedicated their lives and indeed we are thankful for them.

15 February was a day where the new cases was mere 9K, so the government had 5 months’ time to tackle the situation and prepare if this type of situation comes in future, but as we know we just forgot that this pandemic is finally coming to an end there is help available if we get affected by this. Sad fact is politicians started doing rallies in states where thousands gathered, many religious events took place same no. of people gathered. No one thought of improving the facilities if this type is situation ever comes and not one was prepared. Currently 3 Lakhs active cases are rising daily.

I came across an article where one of the experts at the John Hopkins Medicine quoted.

“The strict lockdown that was imposed last year slowed down Covid-19 pandemic in India giving the authorities time to ramp of requisite infrastructure but it forced people to be cooped up in their homes for long. Covid-19 protocol too came in along with the pandemic. Wearing a face mask, washing hands regularly and maintaining social-physical distance was advised and those who did not follow were penalised in some cases. Many people actually ended up spending about one year inside their homes, practically locked. So, when cases started declining, people just broke out of the shackles. Gatherings began becoming large particularly January onwards. Rules were relaxed. Penalties were not enforced. Even in metro trains of Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, people could be seen travelling without wearing a face mask. The pattern was seen across the country allowing the novel coronavirus to create a second and possibly stronger wave.”
Expert.

So here is my explanation of ‘Everything’ the result given below?

Due to unavailability of beds and spaces in hospitals 2-3 Covid patients were forced to be admitted on a single bed, people admitted or resting on the floor and their member holding an Oxygen cylinder for support. (Source: Internet)

A sad incident where a woman in 80s sitting on a road with an oxygen cylinder and mask worn looking totally exhausted and fatigued. (Source: Internet)

Technical failure too caused many deaths, the one incident where a Leakage in Oxygen tank led to decrease in Pressure needed to support the critically ill patients who were on the ventilator support. 22 lost their lives because of this, imagine due to covid the oxygen level keeps dropping from 100 and on 15, you have a faith where there is a chance that you can survive and suddenly the supply is cut off. (Source: TOI)

A saddest news I came across is a 65-year-old journalist where he constantly tweeted that he is in need of urgent medical help, He sent a warning message on twitter that he needs to be admitted as he has got covid, many retweets and response came, the second tweet he shared a reading of oximeter where the reading dropped to 50 and he is facing breathing issue, just to inform that their shortage of oxygen cylinders and the ones that are available are needed in the hospitals. He again plead for help as he shared that the reading has been dropped to 31. Final tweet came where the body of the person was covered in the blanket on the bed and his loved ones crying staying a foot apart from him. His words were “I voted for the country. I didn’t vote for any party. I pray to god that nobody in your family faces what I am facing. (Source: Twitter.)

An incident where a Hospital for Covid Patients caught fire thus ending the lives of 15 Covid Patients. (Source: TOI.)

The incidents are many but this were some heart-breaking ones that we wish that they don’t deserve this. Currently 3 Lakhs Active cases are increasing daily.

But on a positive side, there is hope. Many top companies came for help in building Oxygen production plants and manufacturing Covid kits so that there can be uninterrupted supply to the needy. Also, the government has prohibited the industries to stop using Oxygen for production and is directed to the states.

What we are waiting is for 1^st May! when finally, the vaccination drive will start. It typically takes two weeks after you are fully vaccinated for the body to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes COVID-19. The greater number of people who get vaccinated the more antibody will be developed thus reducing the risk of getting Covid.

So, let’s be safe by taking precautionary measures like not stepping out unnecessarily and wearing masks at all times and let’s pray that this pandemic soon comes to an end. Stay Safe! Cheers!

Note: The Featured image has been taken from the movie 'Five Feet Apart' and all Image credits goes to their respective owners.

In order to grow change is necessary.

Today, I would like to share you my personal experience on the ‘above topic on,’In order to grow change is necessary’.

I am a diploma holder in mechanical engineering, and currently working in one of the reputed companies in Dubai. Before, it was like a thumb rule where you get a good score in SSC, the only option got to choose is science and opting to go for an Engineering. But whenever someone asks me for a suggestion, I just tell them there are many options other than going for engineering. I saw that the number of engineers are way more than the vacancies available everywhere.

With less salary and getting a job even being over qualified, I was not happy. I felt that I am just wasting my time here instead of finding the right job. Where it could give me spark in my life. But

So, I took a great step to start a career in safety. Of course, I had interest as it’s a respectful job to ensure that the surrounding and peoples are safe. But, when you are working for a very low salary and studying besides was the toughest challenge I ever faced.
Heartbreaking was, failing in the first attempt and paying 70% of your salary for re exams made me give up. But thanks to my family, they insisted me to give a one final try, and to give my best this time. And now I am happy to inform you guys that I finally cleared Nebosh IGC in Occupational Health and Safety.

It’s truer that hard work always pays off. And I am excited to finally begin my role as a Safety Officer. All I want to say is, “Life is all about taking Risk, if you never take a risk, You will never achieve your dreams.”Sometimes, you need to need a change in career.

You can also check my other b log

Viva Sao Joao !

Summer is gone and the rains come along, there is a reason to jump in the water. Because, the feast of St. John the baptist (Sao joao) could be it. One of the famous christian feasts in the state.

The feast of St. John the baptist is celebrated by goans. By jumping into well to retrieve gifts thrown in by villagers. Sao joao or St. john the Baptist baptized jesus in the river Jordan. The jump into the well is to signify the joy felt by John, when he sensed the presence of jesus christ even while he was in his mother’s womb.

A picture showcasing the Sao joao feast being celebrated by goans.

Kids wear crown made of flowers and leaves. These form the highlight of San Joao.The traditions followed are so fascinating that one cannot help but participate in it. On this day, people of all ages jump into well, streams and ponds. This is done with the spirit after imbibing Goa’s famous liquor ‘feni’ and singing the song ‘viva sao joao’. Youngster’s takes part in procession from door to door and collect liquor and fruits. They then offer their prayers and collectibles in a water body in their town. Newly married women throw flowers, vegetables and seasonal fruits in the water to fulfil their wishes. Many other youths then jump into the water to collect them.

The highlight of the day is the ‘sangodd’. A decorated floating platform, on which people parade singing mandos and religious hymns. The sangodds are uniquely decorated. The members of that sangodd wear a uniform dress to distinguish themselves from the groups. This is also a time to celebrate one’s spirit of adventure. Youngsters participate in number of competitions, some of the beings the siolim boat parade, prizes for headgears, décor and costumes. People wear headgears or crowns made up of tender coconut leaves or flowers known as ‘copel’. Lively music is played on the ghumot (goan musical percussion instrument) and kansallem (cymbals).

Fruits arranged in homes to celebrate the feast of St. John the Baptist in Goa. In the village of benaulim- south goa, which has the church of Saint John the Baptist, there is a 9 day novena before the feast day.

On the feast day itself, there are football matches, singing and dancing. Apart from the gastronomical delights of traditional goan food which includes sorpotel and sannas, feijoadas, sausage pulao among other foods and plenty of feni to go around and camaraderie to top it all off. People gather together to have fun and enjoy good company.

Locals celebrating Sao Joao (the feast of St. John the baptist) by playing instruments and dancing to Goan folk music. Sao joao, like any other goan festival has the captivating spirit and merriment, colour and tradition. There is so much good energy travelling around with all the happiness and laughters. It is truly something hard to miss when you are around in Goa! And for youngsters who think all this is such a bore, there is always parties that they can attend!

You can check my another blog on Tour

Don’t be sad ‘Sing’ by Smule app Lovers.

Just few days before when I updated my Sing app, I found out that you can’t unlock any songs to record Karaoke. To all those who don’t know about the Sing, it’s a popular karaoke app when millions of aspiring peoples record and collaborate with other users in the app.

It’s a social app almost similar to Twitter, but it’s all about Karaoke. Smule is an American music app initially released under the name Sing! This app was described as “the biggest music app you haven’t heard of” adding that “fifty million people use it at least once a month” according to a CNET article from 2018

You ll ll get more followers when you invite them to join you. There are some popular songs that are unlocked by credits. Suppose, to unlock ‘Shape of you’ cost 35 Credits, you need to watch an ad to get 5 credits and after 35 you can purchase it. As I am big fan of Karaoke, I mailed the support to bring back the old credits back . I got a following reply.

Since I downloaded this app, I got to meet new people from all over the world. This is the best place where you ll meet the person who has the same passion of singing as you. And, if you make the best partner, then your collabs will get feature on the top collabs tabs.

There is a popular Facebook group name Singotopia, where you’ll find many Smule app users who collab with each other and various events. It is like a happy place to make new friends who likes music.

We are currently transitioning out of the credit system in Android and songs will not be able to be unlocked going forward. Stay tuned for new and improved ways to earn FREE songs. Can’t wait ’til then? Upgrade to VIP All-Access for access every song, any time.

This means they will certainly finding solutions to unlock songs by some methods.

If you still don’t have patience you can get the ‘All ACCESS VIP’ for 550 rupees per year.

If you want to try singing, then you can check the app at Smule.com